This Is Actually Happening 374: What if a brutal assault saved your life?
Aug 5, 2025
Cesar Cardona, a public speaker and mindfulness educator, shares his transformative journey after surviving a brutal assault. He reflects on his tumultuous past shaped by loneliness and rage, leading to a quest for peace through Buddhism and meditation. The discussion highlights the power of forgiveness, emotional intelligence, and resilience amidst trauma. Cardona also emphasizes how vulnerability and introspection can connect us all, underscoring the potential for growth that arises from even the darkest experiences.
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Cesar's Turbulent Childhood
- Cesar grew up feeling torn between his Spanish and Black heritage and faced aggressive conflict resolution at home.
- These early experiences led to deep feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and anger that shaped his youth.
Psychedelic Revelation at 14
- At 14, Cesar used mushrooms and experienced a profound sense of oneness and peace.
- This early mystical experience contrasted sharply with his otherwise troubled life and aggressive behavior.
Gang Life and Numbness
- Cesar joined a gang at 15, engaging in violence and crime to feel connected and tough.
- He became numb to hurting others, living a high-risk life with constant aggression.
